Charisse Drogalis

The Prospector is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to providing competitive and inclusive employment to people with disabilities through the operation of a first-run movie theater in Ridgefield, CT. Employees of the Theater are known as Prospects, and we are encouraged to sparkle, shine, and transform our passions into professions. Approximately 75% of our workforce self-identifies with a disability, and we are committed to competitive and integrated employment. Prospects use education, engagement, and employment to showcase their incredible talents, adding extraordinary value and sparkle to our business. Prospects are involved at every level of the Prospector's mission – selling tickets, popping popcorn, filming, hosting events, editing, programming, landscaping, service learning, marketing, information technology, strategic planning, graphic design, game design, writing grants, baking, costume-making, and so much more! Almost 80% of Americans with disabilities don't have a job. The Prospector Theater was built as a solution to this problem. Meaningful employment is vital to a person’s mental, social, financial, and emotional health. The Prospector is open every day of the year, improving the quality of life for hundreds of adults with disabilities, their families, and the community at large. Through the operation of our movie theater, Prospects are paired with jobs that highlight their strengths and passions - or as we call it, “sparkle”. Each new release generates dozens of opportunities to use our sparkle as we transform ordinary moviegoing into memorable experiences. We offer products that people want – good movies, fresh popcorn, entertaining pre-show content, clean facilities, and unparalleled customer service! When you see movies with us, you create the thousands of business operations and interactions that fuel the Prospector's mission of meaningful employment for adults with disabilities!